sounds like the crane was replaced>

D Series K Frames: (Fixed Sight Models)

D1 – D90,000…………….....1968
D90,001 – D330,000……..1969 -70
D330,001 – D420,000………1971 – Early 72
D420,001 – D510,000………Late 1972 – Early 73
D510,001 – D659,901………Late 1973 – Early 1974
D659.902 – D75000………..Late 1974 – Early 1975
D750,001 – D870,000………Late 1975 – Early 1976
D870,001 – D999,999………Late 1976 – Early 1977
2D00001 - 2D80,000……….1977
2D80,001 – 2D99,999………1978
4D00001 – 6D10,000……….1979
6D10,0001 – 7D10,000……1980
7D10,001 – 9D44,500…..1981
9D44,501 – 17D8,900………1982
17D8,901 – 21D0883……….1983

 

Thanks!

This is supposedly from a shipment of foreign law enforcement turn-in weapons and it's in pretty decent shape. The bore is clean and without any pitting or rust. The import mark is actually under the barrel and is partially hidden by the ejector rod.

I'm looking forward to getting out to a friend's house and putting some lead down-range with this.

 

Plus 1 with Lyman1903 concerning the '81 production date. The serial number on the gun butt is the true SN. A number on the swing arm (crane) is not the serial number - non-match, insignificant. (Were it on the frame itself adjacent to crane, that a legit location, though used earlier.) The four digit number placed on the outside of frame adjacent to the trigger guard, perhaps an agency inventory number, etc. I would rely on that butt sn and disregard the 'imposters' on this model suggesting other mfg date.
Just my take
John

 

Thanks!

What "frame" is this considered? The grips on mine are pretty torn up and I'm considering replacing them with OEM stock if I can find a decent set.

I'm finding J, K and L frame grips when I put in "Smith & Wesson Model 10" as a search term.

 

it's a K frame,


number on the crane on the frame as well?

if so, as iskra noted, it is just a number to keep the 2 together (but the should not have an Alpha in it)

if it is a miss match, who cares, shoot it and enjoy

 

K frame but you'll need to know if it's square or round butt.

round means the grip is rounded in the back while square is still has an arch but it's not rounded off at the bottom

 

I picked up a S&W model 10-6 a couple years ago. Great shooting pistol. Enjoy.

 

A "K" frame model 10 has all the features that makes it one of the best revolvers and none of the features it doesn't need. I have one and don't recall the model number with the heavy barrel. Paid $100 for it years back. Still have it and for sheer shooting enjoyment it cannot be beat. And you don't have to chase your brass.Frank